Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Vacancy Rate

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Data released by SQM Research this week has revealed the national residential vacancy rate slipped to 2.1% in March 2018.
The number of rental vacancies Australia-wide fell to 68,964, down from 2.2% in February when 69,727 properties were available.
Capital city asking rents have been pressured in Melbourne where the vacancy rate is just 1.4%.
Brisbane’s vacancy rate fell to 3.2%, down from 3.4% in February, while Canberra’s slipped to just 0.6%, down from 0.8%.
Commentator Peter Warrant noted the vacancy rate for Canberra has fallen from 2.5% in mid-2015 when it was announced in the Barr Budget that there would be significant rate rise and land taxes imposed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). While there are rentals on the market, the methodology picks up rental properties vacant between leases for a period of time and acts a viable leading indicator for markets that are tightening or easing.
With investors looking elsewhere, SQM reports that median asking rents for houses in the ACT have increased by +29% over the past three years to $617 per week.
That makes Canberra the second most expensive capital city after Sydney at a $738 per week median asking rent for houses.
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGm3VeZZ7TA/WtUvDQ7EPOI/AAAAAAAApbk/ZQQmQb6NGrAHb2cNp2ojORGr-fJPI_-SQCLcBGAs/s640/SQM1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to open in new window</a>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGm3VeZZ7TA/WtUvDQ7EPOI/AAAAAAAApbk/ZQQmQb6NGrAHb2cNp2ojORGr-fJPI_-SQCLcBGAs/s640/SQM1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGm3VeZZ7TA/WtUvDQ7EPOI/AAAAAAAApbk/ZQQmQb6NGrAHb2cNp2ojORGr-fJPI_-SQCLcBGAs/s640/SQM1.jpg" width="640" height="386" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1385"></a>
 
In Hobart the chronic shortage of rentals has eased a little over the past two months, if only a little. 
Melbourne has a relatively tight vacancy rate at 1.4%, while in Sydney the vacancy rate of 2.3% is being reflected in relatively flat rents overall, including a slight decline for median house asking rents.
The Perth market continues to pick up steadily from its nadir.
Melbourne’s vacancy rate of 1.4% was steady as was Sydney’s at 2.3%.
But Sydney’s vacancy rate is well up from 1.7% a year earlier, reflecting slightly easier rental conditions in the nation’s most populous capital.
Hobart's vacancy rate inched higher to 0.6% from 0.5%, but a shortage of rental properties still exits there. In Adelaide, the vacancy rate remained tight at just 1.4%.
<table>
<colgroup>
<col width="77">
<col width="87">
<col width="95">
<col width="100">
<col width="95">
<col width="96">
<col width="95">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
City
</td>
<td>
March 2017 Vacancies
</td>
<td>
Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td>
February 2018 Vacancies
</td>
<td>
Vacancy Rate
</td>
<td>
March 2018 Vacancies
</td>
<td>
Vacancy Rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
3,108
</td>
<td>
1.7%
</td>
<td>
2,540
</td>
<td>
1.4%
</td>
<td>
2,519
</td>
<td>
1.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
9,860
</td>
<td>
5.0%
</td>
<td>
8,319
</td>
<td>
4.1%
</td>
<td>
8,221
</td>
<td>
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
7,397
</td>
<td>
1.4%
</td>
<td>
7,889
</td>
<td>
1.4%
</td>
<td>
7,479
</td>
<td>
1.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
11,028
</td>
<td>
3.5%
</td>
<td>
10,925
</td>
<td>
3.4%
</td>
<td>
10,246
</td>
<td>
3.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Canberra
</td>
<td>
471
</td>
<td>
0.8%
</td>
<td>
495
</td>
<td>
0.8%
</td>
<td>
392
</td>
<td>
0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
10,989
</td>
<td>
1.7%
</td>
<td>
15,581
</td>
<td>
2.3%
</td>
<td>
15,833
</td>
<td>
2.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
1,058
</td>
<td>
3.6%
</td>
<td>
989
</td>
<td>
3.3%
</td>
<td>
1,073
</td>
<td>
3.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
174
</td>
<td>
0.6%
</td>
<td>
145
</td>
<td>
0.5%
</td>
<td>
191
</td>
<td>
0.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
National
</td>
<td>
73,554
</td>
<td>
2.3%
</td>
<td>
69,727
</td>
<td>
2.2%
</td>
<td>
68,964
</td>
<td>
2.1%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
SM noted in contrast to the national trend, Darwin’s vacancy rate rose to 3.6% from 3.3% in February.
The vacancy rate in Perth was steady at 4.1%.
Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher, said the vacancy numbers highlighted tight rental markets in some capital cities, particularly in Canberra and Hobart but also in Melbourne.
“Reflecting the tight rental conditions in Melbourne, asking rents for houses were up by 1.1% over the month to 12 April 2018, while asking rents rose 4.7% over the year.
"We can expect continued strong growth given the high population growth that Melbourne is currently experiencing, creating rental demand.
“In contrast, Sydney’s vacancy rate is above year-ago levels, and as rental vacancies rise, asking rents are falling. Asking rents for houses fell 1.3% over the year to 12 April while asking unit rents increased by just 0.8%.
"Sydney rents could continue to ease this year given its higher vacancy rate,” Christopher said.
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents rose over the month to 12 April 2018 by 0.5% to $563 a week for houses. Unit asking rents rose 0.2% to $443 a week. Over the year, asking house rents rose by 1.3% while asking rents for units increased by 0.9%.
Asking rents for houses rose the most in Darwin over the month, up by 3.3% to $560 a week, though unit asking rents dropped 2.6%. In Melbourne, asking house rents gained 1.1% to $537 while unit asking rents rose 0.7% to $407 a week.
The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney remains the highest in the nation at $738 a week while for units it stands at $524. Canberra follows at $617 a week for houses and $439 for units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/18/Picture1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to open in new window</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney rents could continue to ease this year given its higher vacancy rate: SQM

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Sydney vacancy rates show supply is largely meeting demand, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW president John Cunningham said the October 2017 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw availability in the Sydney metropolitan up 0.1 percentage points at 2.1 per cent, on par with January 2017.
“Vacancy rates in Inner Sydney fell 0.2 per cent to 2.0 per cent, Outer Sydney gained 0.2 percentage points to 2.0 per cent, while Middle Sydney fell 0.2 percentage points at 2.2 per cent,” Cunningham said.
“Parity is generally recognised at 2.0 per cent and we are currently seeing this right across Sydney.”
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The Hunter slipped 0.2 percentage points at 1.8 per cent with Newcastle down 0.6 percentage points at 2.3 per cent. The Illawarra was steady at 2.5 per cent led by Wollongong up 0.2 percentage points to 2.9 per cent, a figure last seen in January 2016. 
Across regional areas, Albury jumped back up to 3.2 percentage points, from 1.9 per cent, New England rose 0.5 per percentage points to 3.8 per cent and the Mid North Coast fell 0.4 percentage points at 1.7. Northern Rivers remained steady at 0.8 per cent. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/11/21/Residential2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney vacancy rates nudge higher: REINSW

<html><body>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title">SQM Research reported that vacancy rates fell across most capital cities in the month of August 2017.</h3>
<div id="post-body-4819303965695860274" class="post-body entry-content">
<div> </div>
<div>The national vacancy rate of 2.2 per cent was marginally lower than the 2.3 per cent seen at the same time in the prior year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne (1.7 per cent) and Hobart (0.4 per cent) in particular are seeing sharp increases in median asking rents, while the vacancy rate in Adelaide was down to just 1.6 per cent from 1.9 per cent a year earlier.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact, Hobart has the lowest vacancy rate on record for any capital city, and both rents and prices are exploding higher.  </div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/21/SQM1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Vacancy rates ticked down from July in Brisbane (3.1 per cent) and Perth (4.6 per cent) in August.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The rental market Perth needs to improve for landlords - median asking rents are some 34 per cent lower than at their peak according to SQM's asking rents index. </div>
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<div>Meanwhile Darwin has recorded seven consecutive declines in its vacancy rate, suggesting that the rental downturn may finally be over in the Northern Territory. </div>
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<div>Smoothing the last 6 months of figures suggests that the rental market is not deteriorating significantly in most capital cities. </div>
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<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/21/SQM2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/09/21/SQM2.jpg" alt=""> <div class="separator"> </div>
 Dwelling completions are expected to peak in early 2018, while immigration has picked up a notch. SQM's Managing Director, Louis Christopher, noted: <div> </div>
<div>"We believe rents will likely rise at a faster pace 2018 than what has been recorded in 2017, thus far. </div>
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<div>We now have mounting concerns for significant rental shortages in 2019 in Sydney and Melbourne”. The delinquents There is some correlation here with the performance in mortgage delinquencies. Moody's reported that, by the month of May, 30 plus day delinquencies in Melbourne had declined to just 1.35 per cent, and in booming Hobart arrears had fallen very sharply to just 1.45 per cent. In Sydney, the 30-plus delinquency rate was as low as 0.84 per cent, which is as low as we will ever see for Sydney as a city of more than 5 million persons, while the ACT had a reported delinquency rate of just 0.90 per cent. On the other hand delinquency rates increased to 2.20 per cent in Adelaide, 2.66 per cent in Perth, and 2.82 per cent in Darwin. And helping to tick 30-plus arrears slightly higher year-on-year from 1.50 per cent to 1.62 per cent, delinquencies were higher in the regional markets of all of the resources states and territories, including South Australia.</div>
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/21/MOODYS.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a> <div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/09/21/MOODYS.jpg" alt=""></div>
 Despite these increases, thanks to the Sydney and Melbourne weighting nationally delinquency rates remain well below the levels seen in 2011 and 2012 of 1.87 per cent and 1.81 per cent respectively.</div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

SQM sees rental shortages by 2019 

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Hobart has recorded the lowest vacancy rate for any city in August. 
According to SQM Research, Hobart's vacancy rate was 0.4 percent in August, down from 0.5 percent in July.
Louis Christopher, SQM managing director said it is the lowest since SQM Research commenced measuring the rental market in 2005.
"Darwin recorded the sharpest decline for the month with vacancy rates falling to 2.5 percent (from 2.9 percent July)," he said.
"Darwin has now recorded falling vacancy rates for seven straight months in a row, which suggests the downturn in the Darwin rental market is over.
"Sydney recorded a vacancy rate of 2.0 percent which was largely steady from July.
"There had been a rise in vacancies in Sydney over the winter months, however, SQM expects this seasonal increase in vacancies to unwind during spring.
"Brisbane had a vacancy rate of 3.1 percent for August, down from 3.3% recorded in July.
"Perth continues to have the highest vacancy rate of all capital cities at 4.6 percent, but that result too was down for the month (4.9 percent July)." 
"The vacancy rate remained very tight at 0.4 percent in Hobart, down from 0.5 percent a month earlier, while in Sydney and Melbourne vacancies remain steady at 2.0 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively.
"All other cities recorded falls in vacancies for the month."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%209.59.15%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%209.59.15%20AM.png" alt="">
"Overall the current rental market is a moderate landlord’s market.
"There is nothing in our numbers to suggest the market is about to be hit with oversupply.  
"Dwelling completions should peak in early 2018 and given the pronounced year on year declines in building approvals, we believe rents will likely rise at a faster pace 2018 than what has been recorded in 2017, thus far. 
"We now have mounting concerns for significant rental shortages in 2019 in Sydney and Melbourne."
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Hobart has recorded the lowest vacancy rate nationwide: SQM Research

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The Inner Sydney rental market has seen two months of increased availability according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, which also noted the highest levels since August 2015.
John Cunningham, REINSW President, said the June 2017 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw Inner Sydney rise 0.3 percent at 2.2 percent, while the overall Sydney metropolitan area remained steady at 1.8 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.46.14%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.46.14%20AM.png" alt="">
“The rise in Inner Sydney was offset by a decline of 0.2 percent at 1.4 percent in Middle Sydney, while outer Sydney slipped 0.1 percent at 1.7 percent," he said.
“More stock has entered the market place in Inner Sydney which has seen a rise in availability as tenants take time to fill the available accommodation.
"In the Illawarra, vacancy rates rose 0.7 percent to 2.5 percent with Wollongong up 1.2 percent at 2.4 percent.
"The Hunter rose 0.2 percent to 2.3 percent with Newcastle up 0.7 percent to 2.9 percent.
"Across regional areas, Albury and New England have the highest vacancy rates at 3.1 percent, up 0.3 percent and down 0.1 percent respectively.
"The Riverina was down 0.2 percent at 2.5 percent and Northern Rivers fell 0.1 percent to 1.6 percent."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.47.25%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.47.25%20AM.png" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
 
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Inner Sydney vacancy rates highest for 2 years

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Melbourne's vacancy rate fell to a 10 year low in February to 1.7 percent, according to SQM Research.
The latest data from SQM found Sydney's vacancy rate, fell to 1.9 percent, down from December's figure of 2.5 percent.
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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-22%20at%209.57.34%20AM.png" alt="">
 
Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM said the last time the vacancy rate was 1.7 percent in Melbourne was in June 2007, almost 10 years ago, so this is quite remarkable.
"Despite predictions of looming apartment oversupply in inner-city Melbourne, we are seeking vacancies fall, rather than rise," he said.
“Even in in the Docklands, the vacancy rate tumbled to just 2.4 percent last month, down from a high of 6 percent in December. 
"The rental market could tighten further in Melbourne as some apartment developments are scaled back, which would cut supply and could pressure rental growth higher in that city.
"Rents rose strongly in Melbourne over the month to March 20, up by 1.6 percent for houses to $512.30 a week, giving an annual change of 7.2 percent.
"Only Canberra reported a higher annual asking rent growth for houses at 7.6 percent, with weekly asking rents up to $578.80.
"Darwin continues to record falls in asking rents for houses, down 1.5 percent over the month, while unit rents were down 1.3 percent.
"Perth has again posted the largest yearly declines, with unit asking rents down 10.1 percent and house asking rents down 7.1 percent, though monthly declines were modest at 0.1 percent and 0.7 percent respectively.
"Brisbane unit asking rents were down by 0.5 percent over the month to March 20, and house asking rents were down by 0.4 percent.
“Unlike Melbourne or Sydney, Brisbane’s unit rental market is slightly oversupplied, which has kept down rental growth. 
"But in the other big cities, rental growth is strong, and well above the inflation rate and wages growth, suggest rentals are getting more and more unaffordable for the average person." 
Property Observer found a two bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-docklands-420729074" target="_blank">1607/8 McCrae Street, Docklands</a> (above) for $600 per week.
The 16th floor unit has two bathrooms, two car spaces and use of apartment facilities such as swimming pool and barbeque. 
A three bedroom fully furnished apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-docklands-420614638" target="_blank">70 Lorimer Street Docklands</a> is on the market for $1,500 per week. The property (below) features three bathrooms, two car spaces and views over Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River, Victoria Harbour and the CBD.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-22%20at%2011.07.34%20AM.png" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with two car space on the market for $775 per week at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-420615802" target="_blank">1401/480 St Kilda Road Melbourne</a> (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/22/700_park.jpg" alt="" width="593" height="360">
The unit, on the top floor has views over Faulkner Park.
A two bedroom unit with two bathrooms and one car space at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-420719670" target="_blank">1602/82 Queens Road Melbourne</a> (below) is on the market for $565 per week.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-22%20at%2010.08.01%20AM.png" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
The 16th floor apartment has views of the city, the bay and Albert Park.
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Melbourne's vacancy rate falls to near decade low

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Office vacancy rates in Sydney in the quarter ended September 2016 are expected to have tightened below the 5.6% recorded in July, making prime-grade renting more expensive and the trend could linger in 2017, according to a new report by commercial real estate firm Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
The developments came amid a contraction in Australia’s economy in the the third quarter, the first since 2011, though New South Wales posted the strongest state final demand of all states and territories with 4.7% annual average growth, with the employment rate also improving.
According to the Cushman &amp; Wakefield report, economic factors and 189,000 sqm of stock withdrawals ensured a shortage of non-premium grade stock across the Sydney CBD in 2016, leading to a tightening in the vacancy rates to below the 5.6% recorded in July.
The tight market lifted Prime-grade gross effective rents by 4.3% quarter-on-quarter. 
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“The growth was mainly driven by falling incentives as Premium grade face rents were stable; while face rent growth remains positive, the rate of growth slowed over the quarter,” says the report. 
B-grade stock also recorded a strong decline in incentives with gross effective rents up 7.9% QoQ to $727 per sqm, a 30% increase on 2015. B-grade partial floor vacancies are now attracting sub-15% incentives. 
Among the deals of note were Henry Davis York committing to an anchor tenancy of 7,000 sqm at 60 Martin Place and Atlassian committing to 5,500sq m at 363 George Street. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/Q4Syd-KeyDeals.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The report’s 2017 outlook says “tenants will continue to prioritise affordability, followed by proximity to public transport and natural light”. 
Low vacancy rates, negative net supply and service sector growth is expected to continue to support rental growth across all grades. 
But the report ads that “as Sydney nears the peak of the office leasing cycle we anticipate face rental growth to slow with growth driven by declining incentives”. 
Nearly 300,000 sqm of withdrawals are expected to keep vacancy tight in 2017, predominantly associated with the Sydney Metro and Circular Quay redevelopments, it says.
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Sydney office vacancy rates likely tightened, trend could linger: Cushman & Wakefield

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Townsville has recorded a rise in its residential vacancy rate, lifting from 5.7 percent to a record high of 7.1 percent over September.
Antonia Mercorella, chief executive officer of the REIQ said this is surprising because Townsville’s property market, overall, is reasonably steady.
"Local agents tell us, anecdotally, that there have been a few break-lease situations where people are leaving to become owner occupiers, but how widespread this is, it’s hard to say," she said.
“This is always a risk when interest rates are at historic lows."
“However, it’s too early to draw any concrete conclusions about the Townsville market; next quarter may reveal the September result to be anomalous.”
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Very high vacancies:
<ul>
<li>Gladstone 8.9 percent</li>
<li>Mackay 6.9 percent</li>
<li>Townsville 7.1 percent (record)</li>
<li>Burdekin 9.6 percent</li>
<li>Cassowary Coast 7.7 percent</li>
<li>Livingstone 8.3 percent</li>
</ul>
 (Source: REIQ)
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Townsville vacancy rate hits 7.1 percent record high

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Residential vacancy rates have tightened across Sydney according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales. 
John Cunningham, REINSW President said the October 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey was at 1.7 percent, down 0.2 percent for Sydney. 
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<img src="/images/2016/11/14/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-14%20at%2011.46.21%20AM.png" alt="">“We have seen an increase in interest in Middle Sydney and the take up of newly completed apartments has seen vacancies fall 0.6 percent at 1.5 percent,” he  said.
“This is the lowest vacancy rate for Middle Sydney since August 2015. Meanwhile Outer Sydney remained steady at 1.8 percent and Inner Sydney bucked the trend with a rise of 0.1 percent at 1.9 percent.
"In the Hunter, Newcastle saw an increase of 0.5 percent at 2.4 percent, despite this the overall vacancy rates across the region remained unchanged at 2.2 per cent. 
In the Illawarra, vacancy rates made a 0.3 per cent correction to 1.6 percent overall as well as for Wollongong, which also rose 0.3 percent to 1.6 percent. 
"Across regional areas, Albury leapt 1.0 per cent at 3.9 percent, the Central Coast fell 0.8 percent at 1.9 per ent and the Northern Rivers was down 0.2 percent at 0.8 percent, it’s lowest level since January 2016." 
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Middle Sydney apartment take up sees local residential vacancy fall: REINSW

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As expected SQM Research's figures showed vacancy rates declining in August in every capital city, and rents jumping in the big cities. 
Hobart's vacancy rate fell to just 0.5 percent, while both Sydney (1.7 percent) and Melbourne tightened (1.9 percent) despite talk of an oversupply.
Asking rents for units were up by +4.5 percent in Melbourne and +4.0 percent over the year to August, suggesting that "landlords are in control of the market" according to SQM. 
Vacancy rates also declined in August in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, and Canberra. 
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<div>Smoothing the data on a 4mMA basis shows that Canberra's market has also tightened substantially, with asking rents soaring by +12 percent. </div>
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<div>The smoothed figures show that Darwin is on the mend, but Perth still has a 5 percent vacancy rate to chew through before rents can rise again. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2016/09/23/SQM2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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 According to Louis Christopher of SQM Research: <div>"Sydney is likely to remain a landlords' market, as the city's growing population creates demand for new stock".</div>
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<div>Only in one sub-region of Sydney has SQM recorded an increase in advertised vacancies. </div>
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<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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